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Friday, December 26, 2008

If you get the flu for Christmas, it helps to have an interesting novel handy to take your mind off things, like the fact that you feel as if you're going to die. Fortunately I still had nearly half of Knit Two, Kate Jacobs' brand new sequel to her bestselling book The Friday Night Knitting Club, left to read when I got sick on Christmas Eve. Since I'd just finished The Friday Night Knitting Club a month or so ago, it was extra nice to be able to dive right into the sequel.

I really enjoyed both of these books, though I have to admit that I didn't love them quite as much as Kate's second novel, Comfort Food, but that's probably because they didn't revolve around eating. The audiobook version of Comfort Food, read by Barbara Rosenblat, is also wonderful. And if you like reading about what other people eat, don't miss the 200+ mouthwatering comments in this previous Comfort Food post.

Since I know so many of you are knitters, I'm giving away five hardcover copies of Knit Two. To enter, just leave a comment in this post (by scrolling down to the bottom of this post and clicking where it says "___ comments") and tell us something about The Friday Night Knitting Club, or knitting in general (what you knit, why you knit, anything about knitting!), or if you're not a knitter, then tell us about one of your favorite novels—and don't worry, knitting knowledge is not required. You'll still enjoy these books even if you've never picked up a ball of yarn in your life.

One entry per person, please. I moderate comments, so if I'm away from the computer it may be several hours before yours actually appears. If your comment doesn't show up right away, there's no need to leave another one.

You can enter until next Wednesday, December 31st, and I'll choose and announce five random winners sometime on New Year's Eve. Please check back to see if you've won, especially if I have no way to get a hold of you (for example, if you have a blogger profile, is it public and does it list your correct e-mail address?). If I don't hear from you by Wednesday January 7th, I'll have to pick another winner. Sorry, but the books can only be shipped to U.S. addresses.

173 comments:

I love to knit. I don't always make something that fits or is beautiful. I did not grow up with knitters in the family. I am self taught, working on keeping my knitting stitches regular. But I love to knit! Just ask my daughters, they have to wear my scarves. LOL.

Knitting is a great way to unwind, and I don't just mean the skein of yarn! I pick up the needles anytime I need to relax. This week, I made a teal checkboard scarf for my brother's girlfriend, and I'm so pleased with the results, I'm almost tempted to keep it. Not really!

I saw a copy of Knit Two in the bookstore a few weeks ago and thought it looked interesting. I'd love to win a copy! Thanks for the giveaway.

I've been knitting since I was 17yrs. old. I stopped for awhile, but I've been knitting everything I'm capable of for the past 11 yrs. I've been spinning fiber for 2 yrs. I love to knit baby items. When I don't have any family member expecting, I knit for my knitting guilds charities, local preemie units and women's shelters. I love knitting for my granddaughters,scarves,hats,socks,mittens and sweaters, felted hats and bags. Knitting is my stress reliever!

I learned to knit when I was a child but I had gotten away from it until recently. I have begun to knit and have learned to crochet and I am loving it. It reminds me of my grandmothers and my mother who always had/have a project with them. This is so sweet of you to have this giveaway. Thank you!

I am a beginning knitter. Very beginning. I have about 20 rows of a future scarf done. It may be the ugliest scarf ever, but when done, it will be mine.

I want to learn more for several reasons: My mom knows how to knit and has made all kinds of wonderful items through the years, and I want to be able to share this with her. She has taught me the small amount I know. I have alpacas and want to better understand the crafting and fiber industries and last, many of my friends (I'm in a younger demographic) know or are learning how to knit and I'm pretty sure there is a resurgence of interest.

I was taught to knit 2 or 3 times over the years before it really caught on--this time from my girlfriends who also knit. I loved this book because it reminds me of my support network of like-minded mothers. We don't judge each other for our differences and stick with each other through thick and thin. And the knit nights are just a bonus :-)

I'm a long time knitter. I knit mostly gifts ... baby gifts for the young mothers at church ... but am looking forward to knitting something for myself in 2009. I currently have a christening blanket on my needles which is, of course, a gift and a scarf which will be for me. I'm stalled on knitting two chemo hats for the friend of a friend. I have one completed but have run out of yarn for the other and am waiting for some more to come in. Hopefully that will be in the next day or two so I can finish the chemo hats and get them in the mail so the poor hairless woman can have them.

I own the Friday Night Knitting Club. Just haven't made the time to read it yet. And I'm all signed up to learn to knit starting the first Tuesday in January. It's the thing I'm learning in 2009. I've decided I need to learn something new every year. And even though I crochet and quilt and knitting is related to those, I don't know how and I'm gonna learn.

And just because I'm feeling random, learning how to make beer at home is on my list, but probably not until I don't have a grandchild living with me.

I knit A LOT! I'm just making myself a cardigan sweater right now, having finished an afghan for my son, some socks for my daughter, and 2 crocheted market bags for Xmas gifts in the past 2 months. I also read The Friday Night Knitting Club about a year ago and enjoyed it a lot because it was about love lost and refound. Plus the woman was into knitting (& had a cool yarn store I wish we had somewhere close to where I live!) and had a daughter, which I could relate to. A great read! I'd love to read the sequel, and probably will get it from our library if I don't win it here. Knitting is a great hobby!

When I was 19 or so (I'm now in my 50's) I decided to knit an orange poncho. I had never knitted before but I thought I'd give it a try. Well, with many mistakes I completed the orange poncho. It was none too pretty but I had a fondness for that poncho. My boyfriend and I went to see the movie The Way We Were and when we came out of the movie I had put the poncho on inside out. We walked by many people who were waiting in line and I had tears streaming down my face from the movie... and that poncho was 10 times more ugly inside out!!! What a sight!!

I knit because it's a way for me to be productive in the slowest moments. Some nights when I just want to sit in front of a movie and just not move at all- I can grab my knitting and stay cozy and not feel like I'm wasting hours. One of my needs in life is to slow down, and knitting just helps me do that.

I love to knit and learned about 5 years ago. I'd love to knit a sweater or other impressive garment, but unfortunately my attention span limits me to instant gratification projects like hats, socks and mittens. At least our extremities are warm...

I really enjoyed the first book and would love to have a copy of the second to pass around to myself and all my knitting friends.

I don't know how to knit... just barely know how to crochet. But really I am commenting to say that I got really sick this Christmas too! I was so sick, in fact, that reading couldn't even distract me properly!! I hope you ended up with a nice holiday and are feeling better. Fortunately I was only sick for about 36 hours - but it was definitely rough.

I taught myself to knit last year, but I wish I did it more often. I just find it hard to keep at it. Sewing offers more of an instant gratification, so I tend to turn to my machine when I'm feeling creative. However, these cold winter evenings have me itching to pick up the needles.

I enjoy knitting and have found now in my later years it helps to keep my fingers more flexible. is a pleasure to have small projects to do with your hands.The gifts knitted for others are always so appreciated.

I don't know how to knit but it is certainly on my list of things to learn how to do! My mother-in-law is a crazily-fast knitter and she regularly pulls out bags of hats and scarves for me to choose from. So I'm lucky enough to have many hand-knitted scarves and hats. Perhaps this is why I haven't learned to knit yet - no motivation!

Hi all - just found the site and am liking it a lot. I am learning to knit at the moment and regretting terribly that I didn't pay more attention when my grandma tried to teach me decades ago as it seems a lot harder now!

I'm not being too ambitious just yet but hope to have a stocking reading for the next holidays! Wish me luck...

Knitting, whether in the book, or in real life brings people together that might not have known each other in any other way. We recently had a group of 35 spinners, knitters, and weavers give of their time to spin, knit, and weave 4 sweaters and prayer shawls out out a shepherdesses flock who passed away from cancer and left not only her husband but three small children who were 3,5,8. It was the wife's last wish that they had sweaters to wear from her beloved sheep. The sweaters were finished on the day of the funeral. We were all blessed to have made that wish come true.

Oh, suck. Sorry you got the flu. But at least your mommy is there to tend to you. There's no substitute for mother-love when you're sick.

I have many skills, but knitting is not one of them. I tried it and found I have very little patience for such things. But I wish I did. Luckily, I have many, many crafty friends. One of them just gave me a scarf for my birthday that she knitted with her very own hands. That's just cool. Of course, it's alpaca, which means I can't wear it around my bare neck because of my annoyingly sensitive skin, but STILL. It really is the thought that counts.

I started knitting in 2003 when pregnant with my daughter (although I had knitted a scarf before that with much frustrated help from my grandmother).

I learnt with the help of a lovely lady in her 80s who lived across the road from me, who was a huge and very patient supporter.

Originally I did it because I wanted to knit some little bits for my daughter, but it's now become such a mainstay for me.

I'm someone who is very much 'on the go' and struggle to be still and be at peace. Knitting has become the equivalent of meditation for me, a time for me to sit quietly and knit away with my thoughts and wind down.

I now knit every day, all sorts of things, but mostly items for my two youngest children and little 'whimsies' (it's hard to focus on larger projects with little ones around).

Three years ago I found a knitting instructor and there has been no looking back since then. My friends and I meet at her studio each week and through the community of knitters have become long lasting companions. The rhythm of the needles and the conversation is soothing. I am now a confirmed yarn-aholic and perhaps we may all need a program to help us stop stashing!

I learned to crochet when I was a little girl and then learned to knit just a few years back after my kids were born. My daughter is turning 7 in a week and I just taught her how to crochet! I think it is one of those things that you will never forget; who taught you to knit! I am always looking for another great read. If I don't win it I will have to find it at the library!

Hi Susan,I hope that your feeling better, bummer having the flu for Christmas.I learned how to knit from my first mother in law about 47 years ago, I was going to have my first child and she thought it would be a good idea to make him some booties. She made the most beautiful sweaters, soaker panties, booties and hats.. God rest her soul, she is gone now, but not forgotten. Thank you for bringing back fond memories.

I am a recent convert to knitting. I have crocheted for years, but couldn't get the whole stitch gauge thing down with knitting! I figured it out, and knit my daughter a pair of wool socks for Christmas! Now I am working on a pair for me!!

Hi, I read the first book and would love to read the sequel to find out if... oops I don't want to give anything away to peopoe who have not read it. I did enjoy the story and I do knit and crochet as well. I've made prayer shawls, wash cloths, baby afghans as well as larger afghans. Thanks for a chance to get this book. Blessings.

Marcia in WY - I liked both the Friday Night Knitting Club and Comfort Foods. I am a self-taught knitter and now am learning to spin my own sheep's wool! I've made a pair of mittens - thanks to Jemimah - and a pair of socks - thanks to Eli!

i am totally a non-knitter, but it IS on my list of things to learn in 2009! i want, no i need, to be able to use some of the lovely yarns some of my online friends spin from fiber they gather from their own critters! *sighs* 2009 is my year!!!

I have been only knitting for about 3 years but I am so hooked on it,,I have made some beautiful scarfs and hats,,and many dishcloths to give away..infact this coming new year I am planning on knitting/making alot of my gives, I loved the first novel by Kate Jacobs couldnt put it down and I own it in Hardback...great giveaway...Devon

I just received the book, Friday Night Knitting Club from my daughter for Christmas - I'd been inspired to request it after reading your blog. Sounds like a very good read! I'm looking forward to settling down with it as soon as I finish cleaning up after the Christmas family gatherings. I'd love to win a copy of the sequel you've mentioned.As far as knitting goes - well, my Mom's a great crafter, but my skills are somewhat limited. I went on a bus tour a few years ago. I thought it would be easy enough to while away the travel time by knitting a simple scarf for myself. Unfortunately, I made the mistake of choosing a very nubbly yarn. Pretty - but tough for a beginner to work with. I gave up the project after a few extremely uneven rows. I think it's time to take a lesson from my Mom!I love reading your blog - I'm a farmgirl, too.

I'm a wintertime knitter, and a very amateur one at that. Knitting is much more appealing while I'm cooped up indoors in the cold dark months. It took me quite a while to even attempt to knit anything in the round, and I still prefer blankets and scarves.

I'm so sorry you weren't feeling well for Christmas. One year when our children were quite young, the entire family was down with the flu on Christmas morning. We had campbell's soup for dinner. Not exactly the holiday feast I had planned! I was taught to knit when I was a girl. I have 4 sisters, and our mother taught us many forms of needlework while we were growing up. I love to knit because I'm fascinated with the patterns. I own many books that offer hundreds of varieties of knitting patterns, and I enjoy playing with these. I make scarves, dishcloths, shawls and lace designs. It's wonderful fun. Please enter me in your drawing, and have a Happy New Year!Merry

I learned to knit when I was young - made some single point mittens and then stopped. My mother is the real knitter. Picked it up again with a Pink Lemon KAL and continue enjoying the mystery KAL's. HATE the blocking part - I'd gladly pay someone to do that. Wish I had someone near to teach me how to make socks. DPNs scare me. Anyone got a pattern for socks on single points??

I started knitting because it helps me be still, I have a hard time just sitting. I needed to have something to do while my young children were playing and just wanted me nearby. Now they are older and so am I and knitting still helps me be still in so many other ways. I've started spinning as a result of all the knitting and the acquisition of fiber animals. My new foray into knitting is entrelac--haven't tried it and can't wait to do it!

My grandmother taught me to crochet and I have made some large (afgans) and small (ornaments) pieces but I have always promised myself I would learn how to knit (lovely sweaters). Maybe I will some day soon.

How awful to have the flu over Christmas. It doesn't seem fair does it? I'm glad you had your mom there (and Joe, of course) to take care of you and I hope by now that you're feeling much better.

I used to knit up a storm (and crochet, and do needlework), way back in the day when my kids were little. Until this winter I hadn't picked up a knitting needle in years. Now I'm feeling a bit "full circle-ish" as I've been bringing out my knitting needles and an old how-to book, thinking I just may start again. And what better way to begin again than with your generous giveaway of Knit Two. Happy New Year!

My Grandmother taught me how to knit over 30 years ago, I was 10. I had to sit opposite her at the dining room table, she was left-handed, I am right-handed, but it worked. I learned continental knitting from her and after she taught me she knit me the most beautiful Irish Knit Cabled sweater, complete with the leather covered buttons, I still have it today. I have since learned to knit in the round and make a new hat for my four nieces and nephews and my son (5 total) per year, just something I enjoy doing. I started taking the bus to work in June and I was working on a hat, a woman sat across from me and asked if I could teach her to knit, believe it or not we have a sit-and-knit on the bus now, so much fun. If I am sitting in front of the tv I am knitting, I borrow books on tape from the library so I can "read" a book and knit at the same time. Happy Hoplidays!Kathy Tuschhoff (Paola, KS)

I knit the traditional dishcloth using cotton SugarNCream yarn--cast on 4, k2, yo, k across until 42 rows, then k1, k2tog, yo, k2tog, k across, keep decreasing and when 4 stitches on needles, cast off. This project is easy to carry with you and is addicting. Great little gift.

I listened to the Friday Night Knitting Club on my drive to and from work. I do have to admit that I would sit outside of work in the morning listening since I just couldn't turn it off. Especial the parts with James. Oh and Kat just made me laugh. I think all of us would have loved a knit pink gown. This book had a great twist to it and I can't wait to read the sequel.

I started knitting when I was ten or so and have recently decided to come back to it. One of my recently rediscovered projects is knitting throw rugs using rag balls as the yarn. It is fun to knit with large needles and see your work evolve in such large scale. buchhma at live dot com

I taught myself to knit and it is the most relaxing hobby that I have. Knitting is my therapy in the winter and gardening is my therapy in the summer.I belong to a knitting group very much like the Friday Night knittinggroup. It is nice to have a group of women to share our ups and downs with.

I love your web site. Your pictures make my day and when I can't sleep I enjoy reading you blog. My 22 year old niece wants a farm. I hope your web site will encourage her to go for it.

My mother is always knitting. My home is filled with hand knitted sweaters. I used to knit when my children were babies and now I want to start again. My youngest is a gymnast and I spend countless hours at meets and gyms - I need to start knitting to give my hands something to do. It feels so good to make something and then use it or watch someone else use it. I would love to win a copy of this book. I also love your blog.

I love to knit. It seems like I really do more of tinking (that's knitting backwards)then knitting.lol I am not very good at it yet. I see a mistake and then have to go back and fix it. I also love to quilt and that takes a lot of my time to. I wanted to wish you and your a Merry Christmas and a safe New Year

Recently read the first Knitting Club book and don't want to miss the second. I used to knit a little. My first college roomate could knit argyle socks, and tried to teach me--like learning to drive for the first time in the Indy 500 or something! I gave it up and now make quilts, but I like reading about knitting!

Hmmmm . . . why I knit, or knitting in general. I learned to knit so I could afford wool soakers for my cloth diapered daughter. I've kept on knitting because it was such a wonderful community, both online and in my hometown.

I loved the first two books, both the FN Knitting Club, and Comfort Food...and I can't wait to read this sequel. I do love to knit, although, can't say I'm very good. I am knitting a simple scarf right now, with a couple rows of fuzzy experiments! I started with 25 stitches, then somehow had 30, then down to 28, now I have 32. Not a straight scarf, but then, it's designer art, right? Love your blog...Paulettewww.tribalbellydanceblog.compaulette@gypsycaravan.us

I'm not the greatest knitter in the world. I'm more of a crocheter, since I've done that since I was a child. But I'm trying to come up with a pattern for a sweater vest, since I love sweater vests but have trouble finding them in my size that I can afford.

My favorite knitting projects lately are felted ones. Always a bit of a crap shoot, so you have to let go and let the washing machine take control. As a perfectionist, it was very hard at first -- but now it's just a thrill.

I live in the suburbs of Washington DC, and I love your blog and the beautiful pictures you post of your farm and your animals.

Oh, I wish I could knit, I have started the same scarf every year for 3 years. My dear 14 y/o daughter however, picked up knitting despite me and it is quite magical to see her do something I cannot do and did not teach her!

Friday Knit Knitting club was a special book for me. My husband's job requires us to move great distances frequently. If I did not have knitting groups in each new town I move to, it would be very lonely. The characters would have been different but mystory would be similar to the book. I've made wonderful friends and memories through the groups.Thank goodness for knitter's support and kindness.

I don't know how to knit--I tried once but it was pretty difficult. I crochet, and have for several years now. I'm working on a striped blanket right now. The first stripe is neon green, the second is turquoise, the third (which I'm working on now) is lavender, and the fourth will be burgundy. You can see it at http://good-times.webshots.com/album/569010200TgHaiO . I read The Friday Night Knitting Club--didn't really like the ending because that was how my grandmother died--but I'm curious to see how her daughter fares with the knitting shop.

I just found your site from "The Cutting Edge of Ordinary". Wow, you've got a lot of good stuff here waiting for me to devour. Anyways, I've only started knitting last year, all self- taught and with many mistakes along the way. I've completed several scarves for precious friends who look the other way at missed stitches. I have several bags full of my late mom's half-finished "crafty" projects, which include knitted items that I would love to complete. I really do need help in a big way. Thanks, and I'm looking forward to scouring your site for inspiration.

I knit because it makes my sheep happy. Mostly, I knit shawls to use and give away although I just bought a sock book and am bound and determined to, finally!, learn to knit socks.Sure hope you're feeling better.

I knit, not only for the pleasure it brings, but to feel connected with a community of like minded folks who enjoy creating. I use my knitting as gifts mostly, but enjoy too, making something exactly like I want.

My mother-in-law knits. Her knitting club calls themselves the "knit wits". She has even taught my 10 year old some basics. I want to knit. And I need to learn how because I want a bowler hat, scarf and wrist warmers. And since no one seems to be making these for me I guess these will be my good excuse to get started.

Oh, I love reading a good book, and one about knitting will be just fine.

I taught myself how to knit just a year ago - and have jumped right in! I have knit 6 pairs of socks and have started my first sweater. I love how the people who knit form such great communities - both in person and online (go ravelry!) Knitting has been such a great addition to my life!

The women in my family knit. We meet at coffe shops and talk and knit and talk, and did I mention talk? We have all levels of knitters and while I am one of the more experienced in life, I am one of the least experienced knitters. My niece always seems to find a charitable project and we all participate. The latest was a scarf project for the Special Olympics. On a side note, thanks for your wonderful stories and inspiring photos.

I learned to knit one year when I was having Christmas with my in-laws. I have a great relationship with my mother-in-law, but a more strained one with my sister-in-law (who was having a particularly difficult year that year). Christmas was stressful. My mother-in-law taught me how to knit - which was a fabulous way to relax in the middle of all that drama!

Hi there! I just started knitting for the first time around Thanksgiving and am hopelessly addicted now! It's my new favorite hobby. It's something that I can easily do with two toddlers around, it's inexpensive, and I don't have to pull out a lot of craft supplies. I'm totally hooked! It's so relaxing. Thanks for entering me in the giveaway!

I learned to knit in the third grade while our teacher read "Little House on the Prarie" series. What a wise teacher, keeping our hands busy while she read. Although, I'm just now learning to knit again, I cherish that memory of her and her wisdom of teaching.

I'd love to read/win a copy to go along w/ my lost/new found love of knitting.

Sorry to read that you were sick on Christmas Eve...what a bummer! I am a flight attendant and have a low senority, so I flew on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and was away from family. But, you know, there's always those people who thank us for working..and that makes our day!

I have crocheted and tatted for years and taught myself to knit last year. I have made some baby shoes, washcloths, and scarves so far. I am loving knitting.

I enjoy checking in to see the pictures of your animal family...thank you.

I learned to knit in the last few years as a participant in my church's prayer shawl ministry. I've only been able to complete one shawl, even with the thick and easy yarn. I have in the meantime knitted several hats for friends' new babies, that is the most fun!

I also have recently read "The Friday Night Knitting Club" and really enjoyed it, until the end, and then couldn't stop tearing up. Maybe the second one ends better??? I would love to find out!

Hum, no knitting for me, but I love other handy crafts-cross stitch, needlepoint, etc. But, I loved Kate Jacobs books--didn't realize Knit Two was already out. Comfort Food was one of my 2008 'best reads'.Hope you're feeling better, the flu is not a very good gift !!

Any book that has to do with knitting has to be good! I've been knitting for a few years on and off. I love making scarves, and lately have been making hats. I consider myself intermediate, so I still have much to learn.I would love to have a chance to win this book. You have a lovely blog! Hope you are feeling better!

Having grown up in New Zealand where wool is plentiful, my mother taught me to knit at an early age. I moved to USA many years ago and for one Christmas Mum sent me a box filled with some beautiful cream colored skeins of wool. It is still in the box and I have yet to knit something. Truth be known, I have almost forgotten how to knit except for the very basic stitches.I will have to make an effort to use the wool to create something special as my mother passed away two years ago and I thought to knit something which would remind me of our special times together as she taught me how to knit all those years ago.

I love to knit and am content to sit by myself and zone out with my knitting. But, I also enjoy getting together on Monday evenings to knit with a pretty diverse group of women. It was one of the women in that group that loaned me the "Friday Night Knitting Club". I enjoyed it very much and look forward to the sequel...even if I don't win a book.

I first started to learn to knit when I was 10 years old and had lessons from a friend of my mom's. I have knit off and on for years, but now have pretty much limited myself to mittens and gloves and am starting (again) on socks. I would love that book! My sister and my bestest friend and I get together to knit and are looking into staring a group in our hometown. The book would be very helpful to us all. And I would share it with everyone!

Hope you are feeling better.I love knitting, although it is on a basic level. The 1st book was great and I related as I once had a weekly quilting group which met at my house. The friendships and the life experiences which we saw each other through live with me today. Those women, from all different places in life, supported me through a divorce and cancer. I will never forget them or the beautiful quilts which came out of those meetings.Thank you!

I learned to knit many years ago when I spent some time in Maine, but as my usual home was in steamy Georgia, I didn't have much motivation to pursue the hobby! Now that I've settled in Kentucky, I've been thinking of taking it up again. I remember one of my teachers in Maine was making a knitted Noah's Ark set for her grandchild using the tiniest needles I've ever seen! I don't think I'd aspire to that level of greatness, but I'd like to see if I could turn out a unique sweater or two.

I tried knitting when I was about 8 years old. I intended to knit a scarf. After about 8" of knitting, I stopped. There were enough gaps in my project that I was able to sew the two ends together and have a dress for my doll! That was the end of my knitting career. I traded my knitting needles for sewing needles- with much better outcomes.Thanks for the book giveaway!

Hi! I'm a new reader and was really tickled to read about this book. I just finished my first knitting project (a pointy hat) this week. I have been crocheting for years and think I will enjoy knitting, too.

Knitting has been my way of connecting after becoming a stay-at-home mom 3 yrs ago. I found that within 6 months all of my relationships with my co-workers faded away and I didn't have much in common with 99% of the moms at playgroups, music class, etc. I hooked up with a local knitting group and found a variety of people linked by a love of crafting & fiber. Go knitting!

I only knit when it is the LEAST popular hobby to have. Ha ha! My timing has always been a little off. I made several afghans 20years ago. I'm thinking of taking it up again because now lots of my friends knit. There are several people available to answer my knitting questions. And I still have one half-finished afghan to complete.

Thanks for hosting this giveaway! I'm a HUGE reader, and although I don't knit very well, I do crochet. I've crocheted a number of scarves, and my crowning project to date is a turtle amigurimi made for my now-niece's birthday.

Yikes, I'm sick too! Yucky. I'm a knitter who is just now branching out from rectangles (i.e., scarves). This year I knit friends fingerless gloves and little mug cozies; wrapped up with a tin of tea and some homemade chocolate-dipped ginger, a gift that said "cozy" to me! Thanks for your blog...it makes me smile.

I also just finished reading "Friday Night Knitting Club" and enjoyed it. My grandma taught me to knit years ago - I can't say that I have improved very much - but I pick up needles every so often and make something.

My grandfather was in WWI on a Navy ship and said some of the guys would knit to pass the time. They already knew a lot about knots from sailing experience, so it just sort of came naturally from working with the ropes.Now I really want to knit because my teenage daughter is knitting and I can't let it skip a generation. My mother knit beautiful socks!

I am crocheter by nature, I like to be able to have a hand free without dropping a stitch.

I have recently however taken back to knitting, something I haven't done since I was in 3rd grade.

Why? I found an adorable pattern for a bunny blanket for the neighbor who is having a girl in April. And the lady who taught me everything I know in the sewing room passed this summer, made me want to remember how to do all the things she taught me before I forgot.

My knitting is on a very basic level, but I'm slowly branching out into patterns. The biggest hit at Christmas this year was a scarf I made for my little sister. The reaction was well worth the time I put into it!

Hi !! I'm just a beginner when it comes to knitting,though I'm getting better day by day..I have such wonderful memories, watching my grandmother knitting me a sweater around Christmas time..Ever since then Christmas and knitting have been joined together with warm thoughts..May you have a Blessed New Year..Thank You for the great giveaway !!!!!!

I learned how to knit in college but have since forgot how, so I'd like to share my favorite book of 2008 with you--I'm With Stupid, by Elaine Szewczyk. It's perfect for anyone that needs a good laugh!

I got serious about knitting after I started raising sheep and learned to spin, which was many years ago. I'm still at it and can't imagine my life without sheep, spinning or knitting. (Also just want to say, I have had great success with every recipe of yours that I have tried!) Thanks so much.

I just signed up for my first knitting class yesterday, at a yarn shop owned by my next door neighbor (how's that for local?). I'm really excited to start knitting--it's the perfect thing to keep my hands busy.

Also, I just got a copy of Cornbread Gospels for Christmas. Thanks for for bringing the book to the attention of your readers; it is fabulous.

I love reading, and I love knitting so when the two are put together, how can you go wrong. I actually read a book that centers around knitting, suggested it to my non-knitting friend. She loved the characters in the book so much, she learned to knit and has never stopped. She knits at every opportunity. I have read Friday Night Knitting Club and can't wait to read Novel number 2, Knit Two.

I hope you're starting to feel better! I'm hoping that I have outgrown getting sick on Every Holiday! I know how you feel! I have been trying to learn to knit for about a year but am still at the shawl and neck scarf stage- but this is the year that I go to the next level! I also love to read though I haven't finished book I yet. I would LOVE to win Knit Two. I'll keep my fingers crossed.

I adore your website and have been checking in in Bear and all the sheep for years. I absolutely love, love, love sheep. And my sister has a border collie named Bear also, so it makes it exta special.

I had a hard time learning how to crochet from my mother, but being a lefty never helped! I did eventually learn how to crochet right handed, and actually I do most things Right handed. Last year I have attempted to take of knitting, only wishing I had someone who could help! I have recently seen one of these books and almost picked it up- however I was trying to reinforce the fact with my children not to be buying things for your self!

I would love to find a chatter or someone who would like to "chat" about knitting. I really need to get back into knitting and / or crocheting.

Thanks for holding your holiday giveaway!! I know whomever wins will be thankful!

I knitted many sweaters when my kids were little. It was a wonderful activity on cold winter Montana nights. Now that the kids are grown, I just read about a new knitting shop opening in a nearby small town. I am so tempted to go take some classes. You can't have enough knitted warm scarves in the pacific northwest! Jane

I love to knit baby things for all my friends havin' babies. ^_^ You can make stuff cuter than can be found in a store, and best of all, you're done in just a few hours. I have yet to attempt a sweater for myself!

I just started learning to knit last week! I got some needles and a book for Christmas and haven't put them down since. I'm looking forward to joining some sort of knitting group in the near future so that I can learn from some experienced knitters and meet some fun people!

Knitting is a means of keeping sane. Plain and simple. You start a project, you work on it to the best of your ability, you complete it (okay, there's all that blocking mess...but let's not go there) and you have something to SHOW for it. Something you can point to and say, "I made that." Better yet, something you can give away that the recipient will actually COO over! "You MADE this and you're giving it to ME? Ooooo!!"

i just started knitting. back in 1986, when i was 16 years old, my brother and i went to visit family in ireland for a month. my irish grandmother taught me the two stitches - knit and purl - but i never learned anything beyond that and i spent a couple of weeks knitting those stitches into nothing useful in really heavy, painful-to-my-fingers wool.

now, in 2008, i said, hmmmph! i'm going to learn how to follow a pattern. i want to make myself some socks! i'm on my third project (my third scarf) and after this one, i'm going to try socks even though i'm not quite sure i'm ready.

I am a somewhat self taught knitter. My grandmother tried to teach me MANY MANY years ago, but my tension was not good at all!!!Now many years later, I have picked up the sticks to start knitting again. It keeps my hands busy so I cant munch away the night..Hope you are feeling much better..Happy New years!

My 17 year old daughter and I were just taught to knit. We are working on our first scarves and found we are becoming a little competitive. She has more rows done (hey, but I've been busy with the holidays and all!). Every Tuesday evening, a gal from our church hosts this Knitting club. We're going for the first time; we're hooked!

I learned to knit as an adult and it has now been about 12 years and I'm going strong. I love to knit because I find it hard to do just one thing at a time, so knitting allows me to do something productive with my hands while reading, watching movies, sitting through academic talks or flying. I adore cables! As others have said, knitting is a great way to relax!

Hi,I am just beginning to knit! This is one of my New Years Resolutions to learn. I am a cross sticher and scrap booker. In 2008 I was introduced to the blogging world. And yours in one of my bookmarked favorites. My dream is to one day have a farm. Thanks for the opportunity to win the book.JulieJuliafaithx2@aol.comMarlton Jul-blogger.com

I have found a lot of my motivation for knitting is that sticks and string are easier to work with than a sewing machine, and they're very portable. Knitting is a great way to fill in time stuck waiting in that interminable post office line, or to make evening TV time a little more productive. I've also found knitting is like engineering, except if I mis-knit something I can almost always tear it back and start over, while fabricating bridges or wheels and cogs that don't work is a bit more costly.

I knit socks and sweaters, and the occasional hat. It's hard to muster the enthusiasm for scarves, as I am a Californian and just can't get much good out of them. I like my handknits to be worn as much as possible.

These are books on my reading "to do" list! I've been looking forward to reading them for a while. I'm not even sure why I knit, it's just what I do and hard to imagine not doing it. Call me crazy, but there is something I like about the repetitiveness. It also helps keep me awake while watching movies. Inevitably, I end up doing a lot of knitting late nite!

I learned how to knit on a road trip with my girlfriends when I was sixteen years old. Twelve hours trapped in a van will make any teenager desperate for a distraction. I, who previously rolled my eyes at the domestic arts, was hooked!

My first real creation was a red and white Valentine's Day scarf for my boyfriend, Bob, the local restaurant bus boy, with his name knitted on one end. He said he loved it, which gave me the courage to forge ahead. In college I made scarves for several of my professors, complete with musical notes, drama masks, or anything particular to their expertise. I even sent one off to a fellow I met in Turkey (don't ask). I'm especially proud of the one I made for a voice/diction teacher that included his favorite singing vowels—ah, eh, ee, oh, and oo. He proudly displayed it on the wall of his studio till the day he died, pointing it out to all his students. I still own one of my knitted masterpieces...it's a blue-and-gray Christmas scarf I made for the man who eventually became my husband.

But the knitting I became best known for in college was my multi-colored, striped leg warmers. Yes, you heard right and yes, it was the eighties! I performed in a traveling song and dance troop and took orders from all my favorite performing pals. I remember touring across Australia and whipping out a pair for myself (in Australian flag colors) since I hadn't realized how cold it would be in the month of June “down under.” My fingers literally itched as I passed rolling green fields full of sheep in New Zealand, gazing in awe at all that potential yarn.

When my creativity peaked for knitting I suddenly discovered the crochet hook! While traveling with my performing group on a Southern States tour, I collected yarn from all the host families who housed me and made a no-rhyme-or-reason, multi-colored blanket that my fellow travelers jokingly began referring to as a “bus cover” as it increased in size daily. It has survived the years and graced the beds, at one time or another, of all four of our children as well as my own.

Since those days I've discovered quilting, but that's a whole post all by itself! Thinking back on my, perhaps, tacky knitting past, I've decided to resurrect my needles and learn to make fingerless gloves. Since the economy has motivated me to keep the thermostat low enough to wear my winter coat in the house, I think that would be a grand idea. No fancy designs or multi-colored stripes though, the eighties are officially over! ;-)

All autumn, I was working on secret knitting projects: my son knew I was knitting a sweater for my husband, and my husband knew I was kniting a sweater for my son, but I managed to keep them both in the dark by switching projects depending on who was around (plus a few mad dashes in to my craft room to hide the evidence when someone came home unexpectedly!)

I had never knit a sweater for my husband before, so I wasn't sure how well he would like it. In the five days since Christmas? He has worn it three days, and has already laid it in my lap in terror, to let me know one of the cats got at it and pulled a few stitches. I fixed them, and the relief on his face was genuine and a huge boost for me. YAY knitting!

Oh joy! I just came home from my knitting group and decided to catch up on my blog reading and looky what you're giving away! I too enjoyed the first book and can't wait for the movie to come out - anything knitting related is OK by me. I picked up knitting a few years ago having taught myself out of a book (lefty with no one to teach me) and now there's a group of us who meet weekly and even go on mini-knitting adventures a few times a year. Yes, there IS a whole convention dedicated to all things yarn! Thanks for once again giving away some great stuff!

I just started to knit (a year ago...and my scarf is nearly done in time for winter.hah)I would love this book, I am part of a knitting group and it's addictive in a calm way.btw- thank you so much for the heirloom seed suggestion, I used their seeds this summer in my garden - fantastic stuff!

I'm just learning to knit! Some lovely lady friends of mine get together every week or so to knit, and they invited me along one week and taught me how to get started. I've been working on an earthy green scarf for about two months now, and it's almost done! It's a gift for my fiance, and I can't wait to see it on him.

I love your site, by the way. Someday I hope to live on a farm and obsess about tasty food. Right now I've just got the "obsess about tasty food" part down. Still need a farm. :)

What an awesome giveaway! I just started knitting and I gotta say that I'm really struggling. My first scarf is too short and I can't find the yarn to finish it and my second one is curling on the sides. My boyfriend actually said "is that a sleeve you are making?"

Someday I hope to make one full successful scarf, then move on to blankets etc.! Maybe the book would help me?

I've been reading your blog for a looooong time and felt compelled to de-lurk because of it being New Year's Day Eve and all (my resolution being "Do something today that you'd rather do tomorrow."). I'm getting sort of a head start on that. Trying to end my procrastinating ways, you know. I've been meaning to leave a comment here for ages and ages because I enjoy your blog so much. I just love the photos of the sheep and Carrie(!) and the dogs and everybody else with your funny, almost hidden comments (that type size is tiny!).

As for knitting, I've been knitting for decades. Since I'm such a procrastinator, I just started to knit some Christmas socks for my parrots to put up on the mantle next year. Ha ha ha. They're pretty tiny. Not sure what sort of presents I can jam in them but they do have four little toes to fill up.

Best wishes for a happy new year with NO ICE storms (I live in Missouri too).

when i was pregnant with my first daughter i took a knitting class hoping to make her a beautiful blanket to be brought home in--i have to admit i never finished it I was in a class with advanced knitters and felt intimadated---maybe i can finish it for her child :) she's only 6 so i have a little time....

besides cooking reading is one of my other favorite things---I'd love to read this new book I've read the first one and thought it was great! check out blossom street series they are similar and good too!

January 2013 update: I know word verification is a big pain, but it's the only way I can stop the ridiculous number of anonymous spam comments I get every day. I don't want to require commenters to be registered Blogger or Open ID users because I know many of you aren't. Thanks so much for your understanding!

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